Gold vs. Silver: How to Style Jewellery Based on Your Skin Tone

Do you look better in gold or silver jewellery? It’s one of the most common questions I get as a jewellery stylist - and the answer isn’t always what you’d expect.

Whether you’re building a capsule jewellery collection or choosing a piece for a special occasion, understanding your skin tone and undertone can help you pick pieces that feel like you.

As a jewellery concierge in Calgary, I help clients choose metals that highlight their natural features, pair with their wardrobe, and suit their lifestyle. Here’s how you can do the same. 

Step 1: Know Your Skin Tone vs. Undertone

First things first: skin tone and undertone aren’t the same thing. 

  • Skin tone refers to the surface colour of your skin (fair, medium, deep, etc.)

  • Undertone refers to the subtle hue beneath the surface — usually cool, warm, or neutral

When it comes to jewellery, undertone is the key factor with the gold vs. silver debate.

3 Easy Ways to Find Your Undertone

  1. Look at your veins
    a. Blue or purple = Cool undertone
    b. Green = Warm undertone

  2. Sun reaction
    a. Burn easily = likely Cool
    b. Tan easily = likely Warm

  3. Colours you love wearing
    a. Jewel tones like sapphire or emerald = Cool
    b. Earthy tones like mustard or olive = Warm

Still not sure? Many of my clients are neutral, meaning they have more flexibility to mix metals and styles.

| Want help decoding your undertone and personal jewellery style? Book a free Discovery Call.

💛 Gold Jewellery Looks Best On…

  • Warm undertones

  • Medium to olive skin tones

  • People who tan easily

Gold adds warmth and richness to the skin. It’s a great match for those who wear warm-toned makeup, natural textures, and earthy hues. 

🤍 Silver Jewellery Looks Best On…

  • Cool undertones

  • Fair or pink-toned skin

  • People who wear jewel tones or icy pastels

Silver, white gold, and platinum create a crisp contrast that enhances cooler complexions. These metals also pair beautifully with minimalist or modern styles. 

| Is your silver not shining like it used to? Explore Restyling Services to refresh your favourite pieces.

🤍💛 What If You’re Neutral? Mix & Match Like a Pro

If you have a neutral undertone, lucky you – you can wear both gold and silver effortlessly. 

My top tips for mixing metals:

  • Choose one dominant tone and accent with the other

  • Use a two-tone piece to tie everything together

  • Stack mixed-metal rings or layer necklaces with contrast

This adds intentional depth and style to your look – and helps stretch your capsule jewellery wardrobe.

| Want to build your perfect capsule collection? Explore The Refined Experience.

📌 What If Your Favourite Metal Doesn’t “Suit” Your Tone?

Style rules are meant to serve you, not limit you. 

If you love a metal that’s not your “ideal match,” here’s how to make it work:

  • Pair it with a flattering gemstone (e.g. a cool-toned sapphire in a warm gold setting)

  • Layer it with your undertone’s ideal tone to balance contrast

  • Use complementary makeup or clothing to harmonize your look

Ultimately, the right jewellery is what makes you feel confident and aligned with your style.

| Not sure where to start? Check out Personal Shopping Services.

💬 Final Thoughts: Let Your Jewellery Reflect You

Understanding your skin tone and undertone is just one step toward building a jewellery wardrobe that feels intentional, effortless, and uniquely you. 

As a jewellery concierge, I help you select and style pieces that suit your life – whether that’s gold, silver, or both. 

| Ready to feel confident in your jewellery choices? Book a free Discovery Call.


✨ Ready to find jewellery that actually feels like you?

👉 Book a free discovery call

👉 Follow along on Instagram @refined.by.robyn

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